Autocritica
Vetusta Morla
The Duality of Self in Vetusta Morla's 'Autocrítica'
Vetusta Morla's song 'Autocrítica' delves into the complexities of self-perception and the masks we wear in our daily lives. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and vivid imagery, painting a picture of a person grappling with their identity and the roles they play. The opening lines, 'Voy a mezclar flashes con alcohol / Restos de sal y altas dosis de ficción,' suggest a blend of reality and illusion, hinting at the intoxicating and often deceptive nature of self-reflection.
The recurring motif of the 'actress' who 'se desnuda y entiende quién fue' (undresses and understands who she was) symbolizes the stripping away of facades to confront one's true self. However, the transformation is not straightforward; the actress becomes a 'puta' (whore) who 'se viste de rey' (dresses as a king), indicating a shift from vulnerability to a facade of power and control. This duality is further emphasized by the broken mirror, which 'descompone en mil pedazos / La piel donde escondí todo aquel calor' (breaks into a thousand pieces / The skin where I hid all that warmth), representing the fragmented and multifaceted nature of identity.
The chorus, 'Y voy a pensar que todo va bien / Todo va bien, todo va bien,' reflects a forced optimism, a denial of the underlying turmoil. The line 'Que el veneno es la luz y la sombra mi caché' (That the poison is the light and the shadow my cachet) suggests a paradox where what harms us also defines us. The song concludes with the repeated assertion that 'nadie le cree' (nobody believes her), underscoring the skepticism and disbelief that often accompany attempts to reinvent oneself.
'Autocrítica' is a poignant exploration of self-awareness, the masks we wear, and the struggle to reconcile our true selves with the roles we play. It speaks to the universal human experience of navigating identity and the often painful process of self-discovery.